Circular No. 51/2015/TT-BLDTBXH promulgates National Technical Regulations on occupational safety for motorized forklifts with a lifting capacity of 1,000kg or more.

CIRCULAR

Issuing National Technical Regulations on Occupational Safety for
Motorized Forklift Trucks with a Lifting Capacity of 1,000kg or MoreFor power plants invested under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, n is determined according to the operational period of the power plant stipulated in the BOT contract.

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Pursuant to Decree No. 106/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 20, 2012 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs;

Based on Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions

Pursuant to Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions of the Product Quality Law;

At the proposal of the Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate;

The Minister of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs issues this Circular stipulating National Technical Regulations on Occupational Safety for Motorized Forklift Trucks with a Lifting Capacity of 1,000kg or More.

Article 1. Attached herewith are the National Technical Regulations on Occupational Safety for Motorized Forklift Trucks with a Lifting Capacity of 1,000kg or More.

Designation: QCVN 25:2015/BLDTBXH.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect from January 25, 2016.

Article 3. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities, and relevant organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementation.

 

QCVN 25: 2015/BLDTBXH

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATIONS ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY FOR FORKLIFT TRUCKS

USING ENGINES WITH A LIFTING CAPACITY OF 1,000KG OR MORE

National technical regulation on safe work for Forklift truck use the engine, with load from 1,000kg or more

Foreword

QCVN 25: 2015/BLDTBXH - National technical regulations on occupational safety for motorized forklift trucks with a lifting capacity of 1,000kg or more, compiled by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and issued by the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs pursuant to Circular No. 51/2015/TT-BLDTBXH dated December 8, 2015, following the review comments of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

 

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATIONS ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY FOR FORKLIFT TRUCKS

USING ENGINES WITH A LIFTING CAPACITY OF 1,000KG OR MORE

National technical regulation on safe work for Forklift truck use the engine, with load from 1,000kg or more

1. General Provisions

1.1. Scope of Application

1.1.1. These regulations specify the requirements for occupational safety for self-propelled industrial trucks with a lifting capacity of 1,000kg or more but not exceeding 10,000kg and towing with standard hooks up to 20,000N (hereinafter referred to as forklift trucks).

1.1.2. For forklift trucks working under strict conditions, with special operational ranges (such as transporting chemicals, explosive materials, etc.) and operating in unusual environments, in addition to complying with the provisions of these technical regulations, they must also comply with the provisions of other corresponding technical regulations.

1.1.3. This Regulation does not apply to:

- Low-lift non-stacking forklift (ISO 5053:1987 Industrial trucks - Terminology (Powered industrial trucks - Terminology));

- High-lift stacker forklift (ISO 5053:1987 Industrial trucks - Terminology (Powered industrial trucks - Terminology));

- Natural gas-powered forklift;

- Single-wheel industrial forklift.

1.2. Applicability

This Regulation applies to:

1.2.1. Organizations and individuals producing, importing, circulating, and using forklift trucks.

1.2.2. State management agencies and other related organizations and individuals.

1.3. Definitions

In this Regulation, the following terms and definitions are used:

1.3.1. Self-propelled industrial trucks (Self-propelled industrial trucks)

Any type of vehicle moving on wheels (excluding rail vehicles) designed to carry, pull, push, lift, load, unload, or stack any loads and controlled by a person riding with the vehicle or sitting on a seat arranged on the vehicle.

1.3.2. Operator (Operator)

A person who has been trained, instructed, and certified in occupational safety and hygiene; holding a forklift truck operation certificate and responsible for the movement and lifting of the forklift truck.

1.3.3. Normal operating position (Normal operating position)

The position where the operator can control all functions of the forklift truck.

1.3.4. Low lift height (Low lift height)

The lift height providing sufficient clearance between the floor and the underside of the load platform or forks; this height does not exceed 500mm.

1.3.5. Automatically acting brakes (Automatically acting brakes)

Brakes that use stored energy from the forklift truck and automatically engage when the forklift truck loses stability during use.

1.3.6. Rated capacity (Rated capacity)

The weight in kilograms specified by the manufacturer that the forklift truck can transport or lift under defined standard conditions.

1.3.7. Actual capacity (Actual capacity)

The maximum weight in kilograms that the forklift truck can transport or lift under normal operating conditions.

2. Technical Provisions

2.1. Detailed Provisions

2.1.1. At the operator's normal working position and within the approach area of entry and exit routes, there must not be sharp edges or sharp corners.

2.1.2. Forklift trucks must be equipped with mechanisms to prevent unintended starts by unauthorized persons.

2.1.3. Parts and components installed on walkie-stackers and rider-operated forklift trucks must not be interchangeable.

2.1.4. All stand-up forklift trucks and walkie-stackers must have automatically acting brakes. These brakes may function similarly to handbrakes.

2.1.5. If a forklift truck is equipped with multiple control positions, the control mechanism's operation must only be affected by one control position at a time (except for emergency stop mechanisms).

2.1.6. The speed control mechanism must be designed such that increasing pressure on the control mechanism increases the vehicle's speed and ceases to affect the speed when the pressure is released.

2.1.7. Internal combustion engine-powered forklift trucks must be equipped with safety devices to prevent the engine from starting if the transmission (gearbox) is jammed.

2.1.8. Walkie-stackers with a single speed, when in operation, must not exceed a speed of 0.5 km/h and acceleration of 0.5 m/s and must be designed for low lift heights.² 2.1.9. Walkie-stackers with variable speeds, when in operation, must not exceed a speed of 6 km/h and must allow the operator to control the speed with their foot.

2.1.10. Stand-up forklift trucks must be designed with a top speed on the ground not exceeding 16 km/h.

2.1.11. In case of loss of drive power, the automatically acting brakes must continue to operate normally.

2.1.12. If a forklift truck is fitted with a differential lock controlled by a pedal, releasing the pedal will engage the differential lock.

2.1.13. Steering control mechanism

2.1.13. Control driver structure

2.1.13.1. For forklifts with standing or sitting driving positions, clockwise rotation of the steering wheel or any other steering control mechanism must turn the vehicle to the right when driving forward.

2.1.13.2. In the event of loss of power supply to the steering system (including non-functioning engines), there must be the ability to maintain steering direction until the forklift comes to a controlled stop.

2.1.13.3. Control mechanisms having more than one function must clearly mark each separate function.

2.1.14. Fuel tanks and fuel refilling must be isolated from the electrical system and exhaust system using appropriate protective measures. Even if fuel spills during refilling or leaks, it should not overflow into the engine compartment or onto electrical components or the exhaust system.

2.1.15. Safety for the driver's position:

2.1.15.1. The driver's position must be arranged such that, in normal operating posture, the driver must be able to hold and operate all control parts.

2.1.15.2. When the floor height of the cab exceeds 30 cm, handholds for easy entry and exit by the driver must be provided. These handholds may also be part of the forklift.

2.1.15.3. When the floor height of the cab exceeds 55 cm, steps for the driver to ascend or descend must be installed. The height of the first step from the ground must not exceed 55 cm, and the distance between subsequent steps must not exceed 55 cm.

2.1.15.4. The surface of the floor where the driver stands to operate or move up and down must have anti-slip measures.

2.1.15.5. When the operating floor height exceeds 1.2 meters above the ground, protective devices must be installed on all sides. Protective devices may be guardrails or equivalent means. Guardrails must be capable of opening outward.

2.1.16. Protective equipment

2.1.16.1. Forklifts with sitting or standing operation and lifting heights over 1,800 mm must be equipped with an overhead protective shield and a rear cargo protective shield; the overhead protective shield must be robust enough to prevent the operator from being hit by falling objects.

2.1.16.2. Forklifts must be equipped with audible warning devices to alert people around when moving into dangerous areas of the forklift.

2.1.17. Operators must have sufficient visibility to safely maneuver. If visibility is limited, additional equipment such as mirrors, surveillance cameras, and audible and visual warning devices must be installed.

2.1.18. Forklifts must have safety belts for seated and standing operators.

3. Regulations on safety management in production, importation, circulation, and use of forklifts

3.1. Technical documentation for forklifts includes:

3.1.1. A general description must include the following requirements:

- Name and address of the manufacturer.

- Model number, year of manufacture.

- Permitted load capacity.

- Diagrams showing the structure and operating principle, dimensions of the equipment, and key technical features of the system (control equipment, safety equipment, overload limiters, travel limiters).

- Applicable standards for forklifts.

3.1.2. Assembly drawings of the main components and accessories of the forklift such as: lift forks, cargo platform, extension parts...

3.1.3. Overall drawings of the forklift indicating key dimensions and specifications.

3.1.4. Inspection and load testing procedures, troubleshooting and repair procedures, inspection, maintenance, and regular service schedules.

3.1.5. Usage and operation instructions.

3.2. Conditions for ensuring safety for domestically produced forklifts

3.2.1. Complete technical documentation as prescribed in Section 3.1 of this Standard;

3.2.2. Domestic manufactured forklifts must be declared compliant with the provisions of Article 2 of this standard based on the conformity assessment certificate issued by an organization designated by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

3.2.2.1. If the forklifts are mass-produced, the conformity assessment shall be conducted through method 5: testing typical samples and evaluating production processes; monitoring through sampling tests at the place of manufacture or on the market combined with production process evaluation (as specified in Appendix II of the Regulations on Declaration of Compliance with Standards and Technical Regulations, Methods of Conformity Assessment, and Procedures for Evaluation of Compliance with Standards and Technical Regulations issued together with Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 by the Minister of Science and Technology).

3.2.2.2. If the forklifts are individually produced, the conformity assessment shall be conducted through method 8: testing or inspecting the entire product (as specified in Appendix II of the Regulations on Declaration of Compliance with Standards and Technical Regulations, Methods of Conformity Assessment, and Procedures for Evaluation of Compliance with Standards and Technical Regulations issued together with Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 by the Minister of Science and Technology).

3.2.3. The manufacturer must declare compliance and register for compliance for the forklifts after obtaining the conformity assessment certificate.

3.2.4. Must be marked with a conformity mark before being put into circulation on the market.

3.2.5. Subject to inspection and supervision by authorized quality control agencies.

3.3. Conditions for ensuring safety for imported forklifts

3.3.1. Complete technical documentation as prescribed in Section 3.1 of this Standard.

3.3.2. Imported forklifts must be declared compliant with the provisions of Article 2 of this Standard. The declaration of compliance for imported forklifts is based on the conformity assessment certificate issued by domestic or foreign organizations recognized or designated by authorized state management agencies.

3.3.2.1. If the forklifts are imported in batches, the conformity assessment shall be conducted through method 7: testing and evaluating batches of products (as specified in Appendix II of the Regulations on Declaration of Compliance with Standards and Technical Regulations, Methods of Conformity Assessment, and Procedures for Evaluation of Compliance with Standards and Technical Regulations issued together with Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 by the Minister of Science and Technology).

3.3.2.2. If the forklifts are imported individually, the conformity assessment shall be conducted through method 8: testing or inspecting the entire product (as specified in Appendix II of the Regulations on Declaration of Compliance with Standards and Technical Regulations, Methods of Conformity Assessment, and Procedures for Evaluation of Compliance with Standards and Technical Regulations issued together with Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 by the Minister of Science and Technology).

3.3.3. In cases where imported forklifts are exempted from import quality inspection under bilateral or multilateral agreements between competent authorities of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and exporting countries, such forklifts are exempted from import inspection.

3.3.4. Imported forklifts that do not meet the requirements set out in Section 3.1 of this standard must be inspected by an appraisal organization designated or recognized according to international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party or international agreements concluded by competent authorities of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam upon entry.

3.3.5. Imported forklifts must undergo quality inspection as required and be subject to legal penalties if violations occur.

3.3.6. Before being put into circulation on the market, imported forklifts must be marked with a conformity mark and labeled as required.

3.4. Conditions for ensuring safety for forklifts circulating in the market.

Forklifts circulating in the market must be subject to the following requirements by the selling entity:

3.4.1. Adhere to national technical standards during the storage and circulation of forklifts and comply with the manufacturer's regulations.

3.4.2. Implement quality control measures to maintain the quality of the forklifts they sell.

3.4.3. Forklifts must have been certified as compliant and marked with a compliance label.

3.4.4. Be subject to quality inspections according to the prescribed contents, procedures, and formalities, and be subject to penalties if violations occur as stipulated by law.

3.5. Requirements for entities responsible for maintenance, repair, and servicing of forklifts

3.5.1. Must have legal person status and be registered by the competent authority to operate in this field as prescribed by law.

3.5.2. Must have sufficient technical staff trained in specialized fields. Have a skilled workforce trained in occupational safety and provided with occupational safety and health certificates as prescribed.

3.5.3. Must have adequate technical equipment to serve maintenance, repair, and servicing of forklifts.

3.5.4. Shall be responsible according to the contracts signed with the using units.

3.5.5. Develop safety measures for the maintenance, repair, and servicing processes.

3.6. Management and safe use of forklifts

3.6.1. Forklifts must be used, maintained, and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3.6.2. Each forklift must have a safe operation and usage procedure.

3.6.3. The person responsible for technical management and operation of forklifts must undergo basic training on their duties; receive initial safety training before being assigned tasks, annual safety refresher training, and obtain occupational safety and health certificates as prescribed; understand the technical features of the forklifts they manage; know relevant safety technical standards and regulations; and know how to handle emergency situations according to the manufacturer's guidance.

3.6.4. Safety requirements when using forklifts:

3.6.4.1. Only use forklifts in good technical condition that have been inspected for occupational safety and health according to regulations. If during use, it is found that the forklift does not meet safety requirements, the user unit has the right to request an inspection ahead of schedule.

3.6.4.2. Each forklift must have a logbook recording regular maintenance, repair, and service activities as required.

3.6.4.3. Arrange for forklifts to work according to their technical characteristics and load capacity as specified by the manufacturer.

3.6.4.4. Must implement safety measures to ensure safety for people, materials, equipment, and structures within the working area of the forklift.

3.6.4.5. Organize prompt repairs for any defects discovered.

3.6.4.6. Each forklift must have a shift handover book. It should record the results of morning checks and the safety status of the forklift throughout the working period. Both the handing over and receiving parties must sign the shift handover book.

3.6.4.7. Before operating a forklift, inspect the safety mechanisms and consider other conditions such as space and lighting to ensure safe operation.

3.6.4.8. Must implement specific measures to effectively prevent unauthorized persons from entering the forklift working area.

3.6.4.9. The ignition key of the forklift must be kept by the person responsible for the safe operation of the forklift, with the second key handed over in rotation to the operator.

3.6.4.10. When transporting flammable, explosive, or toxic goods, special preventive measures must be taken.

3.6.4.11. After the shift ends, the forklift must be returned to its designated position as specified by the user unit and unloaded.

3.6.5. The assignment of workers to operate forklifts must be decided in writing by the employer.

3.6.6. During forklift operations, at positions where the driver cannot see, an additional person must be arranged outside to observe and warn the operator about the working area.

3.6.7. When workers switch to operating different types of forklifts, they must be retrained. Workers who have been away from the job for six months or more must be retested before returning to work.

4 Technical Occupational Safety Inspection in the Use of Forklifts

4.1. Forklifts must undergo an initial inspection and periodic inspections during use according to the inspection procedures issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

The technical occupational safety inspection of forklifts must be conducted by organizations designated by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

4.2. The periodic inspection cycle for forklifts:

4.2.1. The inspection cycle for forklifts is once every three years.

4.2.2. The inspection cycle may be shortened but the reasons must be clearly stated in the inspection report.

4.3. Forklifts that pass the inspection must be labeled with an inspection sticker as prescribed by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

5. Supervision, inspection, and handling of violations

5.1. Supervision and handling of violations in implementing this Standard shall be carried out by the State Labor Inspectorate.

5.2. Quality inspections of production, import, circulation, and use of forklifts shall be conducted in accordance with the Law on Product Quality and the provisions of this Standard.

6. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals

6.1. Organizations and individuals responsible for manufacturing, importing, circulating, repairing, managing, and using forklifts shall be responsible for complying with the provisions of this Standard.

6.2. This Standard serves as the basis for quality inspection agencies to conduct inspections and also as the basis for conformity assessment organizations to issue compliance certification.

7. Implementation

7.1. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, shall be responsible for guiding and supervising the implementation of this Standard.

7.2. Local state management agencies on labor shall be responsible for guiding, supervising, and inspecting the implementation of the provisions of this Standard.

7.3. This Standard takes effect six months after the date of issuance of Circular No. 51/2015/TT-BLDTBXH dated December 8, 2015.

7.4. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, the relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall promptly reflect them to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs for consideration and resolution./.